ON

A Talk Given At:

By

I am the voice of the Eagle, the Eagle whose heights you have struggled hard
to reach. We remember well when you came to the base of the cliff, and how
you looked up with ambition and determination. Tyler, look back for a moment.
Look down the cliff you have climbed. Look at the experiences you have
encountered in your ascent up the cliff. These experiences should not be
forgotten. Remember, experience is a valuable teacher, if you heed its teachings.

With your first step up the cliff, you began to grow physically, mentally,
and morally. You began to live the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout Motto,
and the Scout Slogan. You were called SCOUT.

Soon your brother Scouts called you TENDERFOOT -- and they were right. You
were a tender-foot indeed.

As you reached the first ledge, the climb was still easy. You joined many
before you as a SECOND CLASS.

While some decided to catch their breath on this ledge, you joined the others
who forged ahead to the next ledge where the FIRST CLASS Scouts dwell.

You were tempted to rest in the glory of the First Class, but, you wanted
to climb higher, facing the challenge of the steeper trail. You became a
STAR.

Now the trail became more difficult and less worn. You looked down and saw
many Scouts below you. You looked up and saw few above; but at last the LIFE
Heart was placed on your uniformed chest. You will not forget the whisperings
you felt in your heart -- "Now that I am close to Eagle, I will continue
on."

The trail was then much more difficult, and at times seemed to disappear
altogether. Often you felt alone because you could not see any other Scouts
on the trail at all. You had to rely on all the skills, knowledge, and experience
you had gained thus far on the trail. Your oath "To Help Other People At
All Times" began to have a deeper meaning to you as you did your Eagle Project.
Then, finally, you pulled yourself over the top, to stand on the highest
ledge with those few scouts who make it to the top. The few who persevere.
The few who finish.